1.FC Köln have confirmed the departure of Jakub Kaminski to Benfica Lisbon after the Portuguese club triggered a release clause in the midfielder’s contract. The Bundesliga 2 side will receive a fixed fee of €20 million for the 24-year-old Poland international, who has committed to a six-year deal in Portugal.
The transfer, announced via Köln’s official channels, sees Kaminski contracted to the Lisbon giants until 2031. The agreement represents a significant return on investment for the German club, who paid just €5.5 million to sign him permanently from VfL Wolfsburg last summer following a successful loan spell.
Release clause facilitates rapid exit
The transaction marks a remarkable piece of business for Köln. Within twelve months, the club has turned a €14.5 million profit on a player who spent only one full season as a permanent squad member. Kaminski’s departure comes despite having three years remaining on his previous agreement with the German side, with Benfica moving decisively to activate the contractual mechanism that allowed the transfer to proceed.
Benfica’s willingness to meet the release clause underlines their confidence in the versatile midfielder, who contributed seven goals and five assists during the most recent Bundesliga campaign. The 31-cap international demonstrated his ability to perform at Germany’s top flight before Köln’s relegation to the second tier.
Long-term commitment in Lisbon
The move to the Portuguese record champions offers Kaminski the opportunity to compete in the Primeira Liga and European competition. His contract runs until the summer of 2031, securing his immediate future as he enters his mid-twenties and providing stability following a period of uncertainty surrounding Köln’s second-tier status.
Kaminski initially joined Köln on loan from Wolfsburg in 2023 before the club made the arrangement permanent. His swift progression from a temporary signing to a €20 million asset highlights the club’s scouting and development capabilities, even as they prepare for life outside Germany’s top division following last season’s relegation.
The substantial fee will provide Köln with significant funds as they look to rebuild their squad for a promotion push, though they lose one of their most creative attacking threats from the previous campaign.